The Harvest Hay Bale Trail application will open tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, at 8:00 AM on the Connect Muskegon page! There will be 20 hay bales available, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The application will ask you to:

• Confirm that you have read and agree to the rules and 2026 changes listed below.
• Provide two contacts for your organization.
• Provide two design options. These designs are not set in stone, so don’t get too hung up on having them finalized at the time of application.

The Connect Muskegon page has been updated with information about this year’s trail, including the timeline and important details. Please review all of the information before submitting your application.

2026 Changes

With the goal of allowing the hay bales to remain usable for farmers after the competition, we are making a few changes to the rules this year:

• One hay bale per organization: Each organization is limited to one hay bale.
• Additional bales: Participants may not add their own large hay bales. Small square bales are acceptable as additional decorations.
• Bale placement: All hay bales will be placed on their sides, with the flat ends perpendicular to the ground. This will help the round surface shed water and keep the hay drier.
• No spray paint: Spray paint is not permitted on the hay bales this year so the bales can remain usable after the competition.
• 2026 locations: Due to Western Avenue resurfacing, hay bales will be placed along Third Street, Clay Avenue, Webster Avenue, and in Hackley Park in a walkable trail format. A map of the locations will be available soon.

General Rules and Requirements:

Eligibility: Participant must be a business or organization located within, or partnered with, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Maintenance: Decorations must remain in good condition for the entire duration of the competition.

Emergency Contact: A contact must be designated and available to address any damage. Repairs must be completed within 24 hours of notification, or the hay bale may be removed.

Decoration Timeframe: Hay Bales can only be decorated from September 12–22 and must be complete by end of day September 22.

Clean Up Timeframe: Any decoration, including additional hay bales or organic material, must be removed from your hay bale by 5 PM on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Durability: Materials used must withstand outdoor elements including wind, rain, and possible snow.

Content Standards: Decorations must be family-friendly and align with a healthy, positive community image. No references to alcohol, tobacco, or other substances are permitted.

Prohibited Content: No political, violent, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate themes or messaging will be allowed.

Previous Participation: Decorators must be in good standing from previous years’ competitions, with no history of violations.

No Blocking Walkways, Entrances or Sight Lines: Decorations must not obstruct sidewalks, entryways, or create hazards.

Questions can be directed to Deborah Sweet at 231-225-6797 or deborah.sweet@shorelinecity.com.

We look forward to another great Harvest Hay Bale Trail!